Betty (75), has decided to give up the role as president of the Queensferry and District Senior Citizen's Club, a position she has held over the past 10 years.

But how can you be a pensioner for the past 35 years when you are just 75, some may ask?

Betty took on the responsibility of secretary when she was just 40.

She was appointed an associate member after then president Jessie Anderson invited her to assist Mr Hardwick with the secretarial duties. From that day on, it became a labour of love.

Married to Willie, the former Regional and District councillor for Queensferry, Betty balanced her role as secretary with her career in the Post Office.

She began working in the Queensferry Post Office at 16 and moved to various offices in Edinburgh, retiring in 2002, aged 69, after 16 years as sub-postmaster at the now-threatened Dalmeny Post Office.

She was also Brown Owl (leader) of the 1st Dalmeny Brownies for 35 years and is still treasurer of the Senior Citizen's Forum (Almond Ward) and Trefoil Guild.

But it was her role as president of the senior citizens' club that she really enjoyed.

Aided by vice-president Cora Donaldson, they built up the membership to 80 at one stage, a record level, and had to introduce a waiting list.

They introduced hot pies, cream cakes at meetings, staged Christmas dinners and regular entertainment.

Thanks to Cora's prize bingo sessions and other fundraising ventures, the profits also helped members to go on outings and events.

Both Betty and her husband have battled ill health recently, forcing her to make this decision.

She said: "My old dad used to say when a thing becomes a chore, it's time to move on and let someone younger take over."

Betty, of Whithead Grove, added: "I am really quite upset, but I am going to remain a member and will offer help if called upon."

Betty's friend Cora Donaldson has also decided to call it a day after 20 years as a committee member.

* The new president is Mrs Anne Orr. The group meets
every second Thursday in the month in the Masonic Hall.